London congestion charge: The complete guide
.jpg "We explain everything you need to know about the congestion charge including how much it costs and which cars can save you up to £1,600 per year.")
 Everything you wanted to know about the London congestion charge 09 June 2008 We explain how to register your car, where the congestion charge zone is and which cars could save you almost £2,000 per year. How does it work? There are no tolls or barriers active around the congestion charge zone, and no tickets are required. Instead, you can choose to pay in advance or one day after entering the zone. You must pay before midnight the following charging day. Cameras monitor number plates on cars which enter the zone, and check whether the car has been registered with Transport for London (TFL) and if the charge has been paid. Total gross income from the congestion charge was £212m in 2007, and £800m since 2002. How much does it cost? If you drive into the congestion zone between 7am and 6pm on a weekday you’ll have to pay £8 per day, or £10 if you pay by midnight the following day (excluding Friday and Saturday). One payment allows you to drive into and out of the zone as many times as you like on any given day. If you don’t pay the congestion charge, a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £120 will be sent to you. Pay this within 14 days and the cost will be cut to £60. Certain cars are eligible for a discount: • Fleet vehicles receive a minimum discount of £1 per day – more if they run on alternative fuel You must register your vehicle for exemption before entering the zone; otherwise you will still be charged or fined if you fail to pay. It costs £10 per year to register your car – call 0845 900 1234 or visit Transport for London’s registry page. To pay the charge up to a maximum of 90 days in advance, visit TFL’s payment page. Which cars are exempt? TFL offers a 100 per cent discount on the £8 London Congestion Charge for the following types of registered vehicles, which could save you up to £1,600 per year: • Alternative fuel cars – biodiesel, bioethanol, hydrogen or hybrid To register your car for exemption, call 0845 900 1234 or visit Transport for London’s registry page. For a full list of cars which are exempt, view the Energy Saving Trust’s PowerShift Register. How do I register a vehicle for exemption? You must register your vehicle for exemption before entering the zone; otherwise you will still be charged or fined if you fail to pay. This also applies to cars which run on alternative fuels or have low CO2 emissions. It costs £10 per year to register a vehicle with TFL. To register your car, call 0845 900 1234 or visit Transport for London’s registry page. Are there any other exemptions? Yes – you’ll be exempt from the congestion charge during the following times: • Weekends What if I live in the congestion zone? Motorists who live within the congestion zone are eligible for a 90 per cent discount. You’ll have to pay the charge for a car parked in a public area, but will receive a 100 per cent discount if it’s parked on your own private property – for example on your drive or in your garage. However this is dependent on each individual London borough – and you may have to apply for a registered parking space permit. Check with your local council first.
Where is the congestion zone? View this map of the congestion zone for the exact area. More vehicles exempt from the congestion charge • Motor tricycles which are one metre or less in width, and two metres or less in length To register your car for exemption, call 0845 900 1234 or visit Transport for London’s registry page. What do you think about the London congestion charge? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog. |
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